State: Military-themed plates are most popular

Military-themed license plates have become the most popular among Wisconsin's special plates, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Facebook photo

Military-themed license plates have become the most popular among Wisconsin's special plates, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Facebook photo

MADISON — Military-themed plates benefiting the state's Veterans Trust Fund are the most popular among the 13 types of state special plates, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

As of July, 20,529 plates benefiting veterans were registered in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. That total includes 51 versions promoting various military service or medal designations.

The least popular were the Lions Foundation plates, which were purchased by 248 vehicle owners in the last fiscal year to benefit the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

"Women's Health" adorned 250 plates, the newspaper reported. Sales of those plates benefit the Madison-based Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation, run by former First Lady Sue Ann Thompson. It was added to the special plate list in 2006, five years after Gov. Tommy Thompson left office.

Special plates generally cost $40 a year in addition to the annual registration fee, currently $75 for automobiles.

The $40 includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit or government fund that the plate benefits, plus a $15 issuance fee retained by the state.

One reason veterans' plates may be more popular is that they are cheaper. The extra cost is just a one-time fee of $15. All of it is donated to the Veterans Trust Fund in the state Department of Veterans Affairs.